Some claim the Loch Ness monster was first reported in 565 A.D. when, according to legend, St. Columba turned away a giant beast threatening a man in the Ness River that flows into the lake. No one knows if any of the stories and legends are true, and Nessie isn't the only reported sighting of a lake monster; but it is more than likely safe to say Nessie is the most famous of them all And she has captured the imaginations of adults and children alike. There have been photos of Nessie and descriptions have varied as to her appearance. Some people think she is a living dinosaur. Award winning...

The ancient settlement of "Brighthelmstone" dates from before the 1086 Domesday Book. It became a health resort during the 18th century, was once used as a seaside getaway by the Prince Regent, and became a destination for day-trippers from London soon after the railway arrived in 1841. Brighton lies between the South Downs and the English Channel. That said, the main thing that will interest a kid is the grand amusement park that sits right on the Brighton Pier, a 'must see' and 'must go' place for all families. You can find good food right there on the pier, a place for Mom to rest her...

This is a Penelope Dyan 'learn to read' book with a purpose. What is that purpose? The purpose of this book is to engage the child, to let the child look at a place filled with music, mystery and magic, as a child sees a place. And then if you go there, to see how many things the child recognizes, and how many more things he or she can discover. Travel is, after all, an exploration. And each place you visit has its own feel, its very own personality. If travel is to be memorable, then you need to remember its feel Written by the award winning author, attorney and former teacher, Penelope...

The Mississippi River is the chief river of the largest drainage system in North America. It flows entirely within the USA, and its drainage basin even reaches into Canada It rises in north Minnesota, and then it meanders south for over two thousand miles into the Mississippi River Delta at the Gulf of Mexico, draining into thirty-one USA states and two Canadian provinces between the Rocky mountains and the Appalachian Mountains Ranking as the fourth longest and tenth largest river in the world, the mighty Mississippi borders or passes right through several states; and the good part is . ....

The Battle of New Orleans (1814-1815) the last battle of the War of 1812, ended attempts of England to regain control of American Colonies that were lost in the American Revolution in the War for Independence. General Andrew Jackson, the Pirate Jean Lafitte and his men, along with local volunteers, defended the city of New Orleans The final battle took place January 8, 1815. You can walk the breadth of the field, if you like, see the monuments and more; but the best part is what you don't see, and what you can imagine, especially if you are a boy You can also see the plantation house of the...

There is a very fun stop on the way back to Los Angeles, California from Las Vegas, Nevada, right off the I-15; and that stop is none other than Calico Ghost Town Whether you are a kid or a grown-up, it's a great place to stretch your legs, pick up a souvenir or two and get something to eat The town of Calico was built during an 1881 silver strike. It was the largest silver find ever found in California. Calico boomed until the mines began to go dry in 1896. By 1904 it was a ghost town. Walter Knott purchased Calico in the 1950s, and architecturally restored all but five remaining original...

It's always fun for kids when it happens to snow, especially if you happen to live where it simply does not snow, just like our author and photographer do. In that case, sometimes you have to travel to see the snow, even while some people (perhaps even your relatives) are shoveling out from under the snow while snowplows clear the streets so people can get to work. On the other hand, there are many advantages to being in the snow, like being able to make snow angels and snowmen. And you can even have a friendly snowball fight with your best friend But even if you can't find any snow when you...

Squaw Valley was built in the image and style of a European mountain village. It was the host of the Winter Olympic games of 1960, and consists of 3,600 acres of terrain that accommodates skiers (and also snowboarders) of all ages and abilities It is easy to find and is located northwest of Lake Tahoe, California. It averages 450 inches of snow annually across six mountain peaks that include Snow King, Broken Arrow, KT-22, Emigrant, Squaw Peak, and Granite Chief. In this book, award winning author, attorney and former teacher, Penelope Dyan, incorporates the 'learning to read' skills of word...

Truckee was originally named Coburn Station, after a local saloon keeper. The Truckee we all know today was named after a Paiute chief. His Paiute name was Tru-ki-zo, and he was the father of Chief Winnemucca and the grandfather of Sarah Winnemucca. When the first Europeans came across the Sierra Nevada, they encountered his tribe. The Chief rode towards them yelling "Tro-kay ," which is Paiute for "Everything is all right." The unaware travelers assumed he was yelling his name. This became a theme for the town, and the infamous words "Everything is all right " and "Everything is OK " are...

Carson City, Nevada is the capital of Nevada, named after famed mountain man, Kit Carson The rich, wonderful past of Carson City makes it a fun place for kids to visit, if you know where to look Here the new mixes with the old, and the old is never forgotten After the nearby discovery of the Comstock Lode in 1859, Carson City became a thriving commercial center. President Abraham Lincoln, recognizing the importance of Nevada's silver and gold to the Union's Civil War effort, signed a proclamation ushering Nevada into statehood on October 31, 1864 The Virginia &Truckee Railroad was...